Lonny / Jessica Helgerson
I believe what we really want in our homes is more style and less stuff. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing pieces for your home—everything seems adorable and tempting. Browse Target or HomeGoods and you’ll find many attractive items. Pinterest is full of budget-friendly ideas that promise instant charm with a can of spray paint and some creativity. But does adding more stuff actually give you more style? I don’t think so.
Our homes should be functional, comfortable, and beautiful to us, but the problem arises when people believe the myth that buying more things will magically transform their space. They bring in more items, then wonder why their home still doesn’t feel right. The issue isn’t how many items you own; it’s where you look for style.
Real style and satisfaction don’t come from accumulating random objects. They come from living a life and reflecting that life intentionally in your home. That authenticity is what gives a space meaning.
Writing books has given me the chance to clarify what I’ve learned about creating an authentic home—why I do what I do, and why it matters. Taking time to organize those thoughts has been a rewarding process.
Studio McGee
As I refine these ideas, I hope they help others who struggle with the accumulation of stuff. Writing about the lessons and processes that led me to a home I love has been thoughtful and encouraging, and I’m excited to share that work in tangible, beautiful books.
One of my main goals this year has been to focus on organization and order at home and how those things affect daily life. My house is a work in progress—some areas have improved, others still need attention. Finding what truly belongs in your home takes time and reflection.
One of the main reasons I started The Inspired Room was my belief that we should surround ourselves with meaningful reflections of who we are and who we want to be, and remove the random pieces that don’t inspire us.
From the earliest days of blogging I shared this philosophy of authenticity—why our surroundings matter and how they influence our lives.
Studio McGee
Not everyone thinks deeply about their home the way I do, and that’s okay, but I believe the state of our home matters more than we often admit. Style isn’t just about what looks good together, following trends, or fitting a label—it’s about how your surroundings support and influence your life.
When I say style, I mean my authentic way of living at home—not how fashionable I am in the eyes of the design world. I don’t need a label or the latest rules to know if a space works for me. What matters is how my home makes me feel and how it supports my daily life.
My home reflects who I am because I choose to keep things that matter and release what doesn’t. That means regularly refining my space, letting go of items that distract, and embracing things that bring joy and inspiration.
You don’t arrive at your style overnight by lining up the perfect accessories. Style is an ongoing process of refinement—continual reassessment and small decisions that shape your environment. Saying goodbye to excess stuff often brings a sense of relief and clarity.
I breathe a sigh of relief when I let go of things I no longer need.
I need to surround myself with items that inspire me—less stuff, but with more intentional style. Not junk or pieces I don’t love, but meaningful objects that enhance daily life. Clearing clutter allows you to breathe more deeply and truly enjoy the things you keep.
I explore how to find your style by balancing how you live with what you own in my books. Those projects dig into practical decor principles and the process of creating an authentic, inspiring home. I’ve also written about creating an organized life and home, and I remain passionate about learning what matters and what to let go.
Thank you for being part of this space where I’ve shared my heart for many years. Your support means a great deal to me.
Today is a good day to look around one area of your home and ask why things are there. Do they inspire you, or are they simply remnants of the past or trends you tried? Could you do more with less?
Good, deep questions to ponder, right?
The last two photos in this post are from Studio McGee—I admire their fresh, livable style and enjoy featuring designers whose work feels inviting and accessible.